Compounds for inhibition of 5-hydroxytryptamine and norepinephrine reuptake or for treatment of depression disorders, their preparation processes and uses thereof

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses compounds of formula (I), their optical isomers or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, their preparation and uses thereof, wherein the definitions of R1, R2, R3 and R4 are shown in the description. These compounds are optical isomers or racemic mixtures. After these compounds are uptaken, they are metabolically transformated in vivo into 1-[2-dimethylamino-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl]-cyclohexanol that has neuropharmacological activity, by interrupting reuptake of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and/or norepinephrine (NA), which is used for treating diseases associated with central nerve system, such as depression, etc.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/917,905, filed Aug. 22, 2008 (now allowed), which is a national stageapplication filed under 35 U.S.C. 371 of International Application No.PCT/CN2006/001370 filed Jun. 16, 2006; which claims priority to ChineseApplication No. 200610073308.4 filed Apr. 7, 2006 and ChineseApplication No. 200510077510.X filed Jun. 17, 2005. These applicationsare incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) and saltsthereof, their preparation processes, pharmaceutical compositionscomprising them, and uses thereof for inhibition of 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT) and norepinephrine (NA) reuptake and for treatment or adjunctivetherapy of central nerve system disorders, such as depression, etc.

2. Description of the Related Art

It is reported that venlafaxine of formula (II),1-[2-dimethylamino-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-ethyl]-cyclohexanol, is aninhibitor of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NA)reuptake, and is widely used for treatment of depression disorders, etc.Furthermore, after the compound of formula (II) is uptaken, it ismetabolized in liver to form a strongly active metabolite (III),1-[2-dimethylamino-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl]-cyclohexanol and weaklyactive metabolites, (IV),1-[2-methylamino-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-ethyl]-cyclohexanol, and (V),1-[2-methylamino-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl]-cyclohexanol, wherein thecompounds (II) and (III) have the same therapeutic effects (see also,U.S. Pat. No. 4,535,186, US20040176468, US20040147601, US20030191347,Wyeth Effexor description).

As compared to the uptake of the compound (II), the direct uptake of thecompound (III) for treating diseases related to central nerve system,especially depression, has the advantage of the principle of using asingle active compound, facilitates the adjustment of dosage andtherapeutic effects, alleviates side-effects, and reduces the risk ofinteraction with other drugs (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,673,838). However, thecompound (III) with more hydroxyl groups results in the increase ofhydrophilicity, and therefore decreases absorption rate via oral ortransdermal and leads to possibly more pre-system side-effects due tounabsorbed drug. For overcoming the above drawbacks of the compound(III), a series of derivatives [compounds of formula (I)] of compound(III) are synthesized, and these compounds as the prodrugs of thecompound (III) are metabolized in vivo to produce the compound (III),thereby exhibiting therapeutic effects.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The purpose of the present invention is to develop new compounds whichare used as prodrugs of inhibitor of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) andnorepinephrine (NA) reuptake, and especially used for the treatment ofdepression, etc. The compounds of formula (I) obtained thereby have theadvantage of the principle of using a single active compound, facilitatethe adjustment of dosage and therapeutic effects, alleviateside-effects, reduce the risk of interaction with other drugs, elevatebioavailability, and reduce pre-system side-effects due to un-absorbeddrug.

The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I), its opticalisomers or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, which are used as prodrugsof inhibitors of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NA)reuptake, and especially used for the treatment of depression, etc.

wherein,

Chiral center (*) can be R, S or RS (racemic mixture);

R1 is selected from C1-C20 saturated alkylacyl or C2-C20 unsaturatedalkyloyl, preferably formyl, acetyl, propionyl, butanoyl, isobutyryl andsaturated or unsaturated fatty acyl; or aryloyl having 7-20 carbonatoms, preferably benzoyl with substituent having 1 to 10 carbons orunsubstituted benzoyl; or cycloalkyloyl having 4-10 carbon atoms, orhydroxyalkyloyl or carbohydrate having 1-10 carbon atoms, as well asC1-C10 organic acyl group containing oxygen, nitrogen and fluorine,sulfur, phosphor or other heteroatoms; or the following groups:

wherein R5, R6 and R7 are independently selected from hydrogen,saturated alkyl having 1-10 carbon atoms or unsaturated alkyl having2-20 carbon atoms, or aryl having 7-20 carbon atoms, such as phenyl orbenzyl with substituent having 1 to 10 carbons or unsubstituted phenylor benzyl, etc.;

R2 is selected from hydrogen, saturated alkyl having 1-20 carbon atoms,unsaturated alkyl having 2-20 carbon atoms, aryl having 6-20 carbonatoms, cycloalkyl having 4-10 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyl or carbohydratesubstituent having 1-10 carbon atoms, saturated alkyloyl having 1-20carbon atoms, unsaturated alkyloyl having 2-20 carbon atoms, preferablyformyl, acetyl, propionyl, butanoyl, isobutyryl and unsaturated fattyacyl; aryloyl having 7-20 carbon atoms, preferably benzoyl withsubstituent having 1 to 10 carbons or unsubstituted benzoyl;cycloalkyloyl having 4-10 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyloyl having 1-10carbon atoms, C1-C10 organic acyl group containing oxygen, nitrogen andfluorine, sulfur, phosphor or other heteroatoms; or the followinggroups:

wherein R5, R6 and R7 are independently selected from hydrogen,saturated alkyl having 1-20 carbon atoms, unsaturated alkyl having 2-20carbon atoms, or aryl having 6-20 carbon atoms, such as phenyl or benzylwith substituent having 1 to 10 carbons or unsubstituted phenyl orbenzyl, etc.;

R3 and R4 are independently selected from hydrogen, saturated alkylhaving 1-20 carbon atoms, unsaturated alkyl having 2-20 carbon atoms,aryl having 6-20 carbon atoms such as phenyl or benzyl with substituenthaving 1 to 10 carbons or unsubstituted phenyl or benzyl; cycloalkylhaving 4-10 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyl or carbohydrate having 1-10carbon atoms, as well as C1-C10 organic alkyl containing oxygen,nitrogen and fluorine, sulfur, phosphor or other heteroatoms, etc.;

preferably, R1 is aryloyl having 7-20 carbon atoms, alkoxyloyl having1-10 carbon atoms or aryloxyloyl having 7-10 carbon atoms,1,1-dialkoxylalkyl having 1-10 carbon atoms, and alkylaminocarbonylhaving 1-10 carbon atoms; R2 is hydrogen; R3 and R4 are methyl.

The above arylacyl preferably is

wherein, R8 and R9 are independently selected from hydrogen, saturatedalkyl having 1-6 carbon atoms, or alkoxyl having 1-6 carbon atoms,unsaturated alkyl having 2-6 carbon atoms, OH, Cl, F, CN, carboxyl andester group; preferably hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, methoxy, ethoxy,fluorine or carboxyl.

According to the present invention, the term “optical isomers” refers tothe R or S optical isomers or RS racemic mixtures of the compounds (I)or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts.

According to the present invention, representative compounds of formula(I) are:

-   4-[2-Dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]-phenyl benzoate-   4-[2-Dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]-phenyl    4-methylbenzoate-   4-[2-Dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]-phenyl    4-methoxybenzoate-   4-[2-Dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]-phenyl    4-fluorobenzoate-   4-[2-Dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]-phenyl    2-carboxylbenzoate-   4-[2-Dimethylamino-1-(1-benzoyloxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]-phenyl benzoate-   4-[2-Dimethylamino-1-(1-(4-methyl)benzoyloxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]-phenyl    4-methylbenzoate-   4-[2-Dimethylamino-1-(1-(4-methoxy)benzoyloxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]-phenyl    4-methoxybenzoate-   4-[2-Dimethylamino-1-(1-(4-fluoro)benzoyloxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]-phenyl    4-fluorobenzoate-   4-[2-Dimethylamino-1-(1-benzoyloxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]-phenyl    4-methylbenzoate-   1-[2-Dimethylamino-1-(1-benzoyloxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]-cyclohexyl    4-methoxybenzoate-   4-[2-Dimethylamino-1-(1-(4-methoxy)benzoyloxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]-phenyl    4-methylbenzoate-   4-[2-Dimethylamino-1-(1-benzoyloxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]-phenyl    N-methylcarbamate-   4-[2-Dimethylamino-1-(1-benzoyloxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]-phenyl    N,N-dimethylcarbamate-   4-[2-Dimethylamino-1-(1-benzoyloxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]-phenyl    ethylcarbonate    and their various salts and optical isomers.

According to conventional methods for manufacture of medicaments in theart, the compounds of formula (I) of the present invention includingtheir optical isomers and racemic mixtures as well as pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts thereof can be processed to form appropriate dosageforms, such as dosage forms for oral, injection, transdermal, nasal,mucous and inhalation administration. The dosage forms for oraladministration can be solid tablets or capsules or soft capsules or droppills, as well as solutions or suspensions or emulsions or powders, canbe normal dosage forms or sustained release or site specific delivery orfast release or disintegrating dosage forms. The dosage forms forinjection administration can be intravenous injection or subcutaneousinjection or intramuscular injection or intraperitoneal injection, canbe solutions or suspensions or emulsions, and can be normal or longacting dosage forms such as implants, microspheres or gels. The dosageforms for transdermal administration can be transdermal patch, gels orother forms. Inhalation administration can be solutions, suspensions,emulsions or powders. The dosage forms for mucous administration can besolutions suspensions, emulsions, powders or suppositories.

The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositionscomprising an effective amount of compound of formula (I), andcompatible and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or diluents. Thecarriers can be any inert organics or inorganics, such as water,gelatin, cellulose, starch, etc., or other pharmaceutically activesubstances, and other conventional additives, such as stabilizers,moistening agents, emulsifiers, flavoring agents and buffers, etc.

The compounds of formula (I) of the present invention including theiroptical isomers and racemic mixtures as well as pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts thereof can be used for treatment of relevant diseasesor disorders, for example, depression, anxiety disorders, generalizedanxiety disorders, panic-stricken, agoraphobia, post-traumatic stressdisorders, premenstrual dysphoric disorders, fibromyalgia, impairedconcentration, obsessive-compulsive syndrome, social anxiety disorders,autistic disorders, schizophrenia, obesity, hyperorexia nervosa andanorexia nervosa, Tourette syndrome, vasomotor flush, cocaine or alcoholaddiction, sexual disturbance, borderline personality disorder, chronicfatigue syndrome, urinary incontinence, pains, Shy Drager syndrome,Raynaud syndrome, Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy, etc., by single ormultiple dosage of 1 mg to 1000 mg per day.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the metabolism in vivo of the prodrug4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]-phenyl4-methylbenzoate hydrochloride in rats, wherein A represents intravenousadministration, B represents oral administration; in Group I, □represents the prodrug:4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]-phenyl4-methylbenzoate, and ▪ represents active metabolite: the compound(III); in Group II, ∘ represents the prodrug:4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]-phenyl4-methylbenzoate, and  represents active metabolite: the compound(III).

FIG. 2 shows the in vivo absorption and metabolism of1-[2-dimethylamino-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl]-cyclohexanol (the compoundIII) succinate (ODV succinate) (represented by -□-) and its prodrugs:4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]-phenyl benzoatehydrochloride (Benzoate) (represented by -▴-),4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]-phenyl4-methylbenzoate hydrochloride (4-Methylbenzoate) (represented by -♦-),and 4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]-phenyl4-methoxybenzoate succinate (4-Methoxybenzoate) (represented by -∇-), inBeagles, wherein all blood concentrations are of active metabolitecompound (III).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is further illustrated, but not restricted by thefollowing examples.

2.52 g (10 mmol) the compound (III) and 9.98 mmol organic acyl chloridewere added into 100 mL dichloromethane, stirred and cooled to 0° C. 1.05g (9.9 mmol) of triethylamine in dichloromethane solution was addeddropwise (about ten minutes), then continuously stirred at roomtemperature for 18 hours. The reaction solution was washed with 50 mLwater and separated, then the organic phase was dried with anhydroussodium sulfate, the solvent was removed by vacuum evaporation, and theproduct was dried under vacuum.

Formation of Salt (e.g., Hydrochloride) of the Compound VI

30 mL anhydrous aether solution containing 5 mmol the above product wascooled to 0° C., and then 1M aether solution containing 4.8 mmolhydrogen chloride was added under nitrogen gas. The oily precipitationwas washed with anhydrous aether repetitively, and then dried undervacuum. Most products were amorphous foam-like solids.

According to the above reaction scheme, the following compounds weresynthesized and characterized.

Example 1 Synthesis of Carboxylic Acid Phenyl Monoester [Formula (VI)]of the Compound (III)

The compound (III) was synthesized according to U.S. Pat. No. 4,535,186.

General Methods and Processes

General reaction formula:

wherein R is phenyl, tolyl, methoxyphenyl, or other aryl, etc.

4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl 4-methylbenzoatewas taken as an example.

10 g desmethyl-venlafaxine (compound III) was dissolved in 200 mlanhydrous pyridine, and cooled to 0° C. Equimolar 4-Methylbenzoylchloride dissolved in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran was added dropwise, andreaction was conducted at this temperature under stirring for 5 hours.Then, the most of solvent was removed by vacuum evaporation. The residuewas poured into 400 ml water, adjusted under stirring until pH was 9,and stored overnight. The precipitated solid was filtered out, washedwith water for three times, and dried to obtain a crude product. Thecrude product was recrystallized with 80 ml anhydrous ethanol/ethylacetate (1:1) to obtain 8.0 g white solid with a melting point of159.0-162.2° C. and a yield of 55.2%.

Preparation of hydrochloride: 20 ml anhydrous ethanol was added to 2.0 gof the above product, concentrated hydrochloric acid was added dropwiseuntil all the product was dissolved, then solvent was removed by vacuumevaporation, the product was washed with anhydrous ethanol for threetimes and dissolved by adding ethyl acetate. The precipitated solid wasfiltered out to obtain 2.0 g white crystal solid having a melting pointof 203.2-206.5° C.

According to this method, the following compounds were synthesized andcharacterized.

Compound 1: 4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl4-methylbenzoate

¹H-NMR (DMSO) δ1.14-1.59 (10H, m, —(CH₂)₅—), 2.11 (6H, s, —N(CH₃)₂),2.42 (3H, s, Ar—CH₃), 2.55 (1H, m, —CH<), 2.86 (2H, m, —CH₂—N—), 5.02(1H, br, —OH), 7.11, 7.27, 7.40, 8.00 (8H, d, d, d, d, Ar—H);

¹³C-NMR (DMSO) 21.40, 21.65 (2C), 24.79, 39.89, 40.81 (2C), 45.89 (2C),57.94, 76.57, 120.19 (2C), 123.01 (2C), 126.42, 127.95 (2C), 128.13(2C), 136.97, 141.90, 147.42, 164.18;

Melting point: 159.0-162.2° C., Melting point of its hydrochloride:203.2-206.5° C.

Compound 2: 4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenylbenzoate

All reaction conditions were the same, except that 4-methylbenzoylchloride was replaced with benzoyl chloride.

¹H-NMR (DMSO) δ 0.97-1.61 (10H, m, —(CH₂)₅—), 2.12 (6H, s, —N(CH₃)₂),2.57 (1H, t, >CH—), 2.84 (2H, m, —CH₂—N—), 4.98 (1H, br, —OH), 7.13-8.13(9H, m, Ar—H);

¹³C-NMR (DMSO) 21.65 (2C), 24.79, 39.89, 40.81 (2C), 45.89 (2C), 57.94,76.57, 120.19 (2C), 123.01 (2C), 125.92, 128.80 (2C), 132.99 (2C),133.85, 136.97, 147.42, 164.18;

Melting point: 176.3-179.1° C., melting point of its hydrochloride:206.6-207.7° C.

Compound 3: 4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl4-methoxybenzoate

All reaction conditions were the same, except that 4-methylbenzoylchloride was replaced with 4-methoxybenzoyl chloride.

¹H-NMR (DMSO) M 0.14-1.59 (10H, m, —(CH₂)₅—), 2.11 (6H, s, —N(CH₃)₂),2.55 (1H, m, —CH<), 2.86 (2H, m, —CH₂—N—), 3.86 (3H, s, —OCH₃), 5.02(1H, br, —OH), 7.10, 7.26, 8.06 (8H, t, d, d, Ar—H);

¹³C-NMR (DMSO) 21.65 (2C), 24.79, 39.89, 40.81 (2C), 45.89 (2C), 55.25,57.94, 76.57, 113.14 (2C), 120.19 (2C), 122.52, 123.01 (2C), 132.28(2C), 137.01, 147.42, 162.50, 164.18;

Melting point: 133.4-135.7° C., melting point of its hydrochloride:195.7-196.9° C.

Compound 4: 4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl4-fluorobenzoate

All reaction conditions were the same, except that 4-methylbenzoylchloride was replaced with 4-fluorobenzoyl chloride.

¹H-NMR (DMSO) δ1.25-1.59 (10H, m, —(CH₂)₅—), 2.16 (6H, s, —N(CH₃)₂),2.55 (1H, m, —CH<), 2.86 (2H, m, —CH₂—N—), 5.02 (1H, br, —OH), 7.00,7.16, 7.26, 8.12 (8H, t, d, d, Ar—H);

¹³C-NMR (DMSO) 21.65 (2C), 24.79, 39.90, 40.81 (2C), 45.90 (2C), 57.94,76.57, 114.41, 115.12, 120.19 (2C), 123.02 (2C), 130.91, 131.08, 137.02,147.42, 158.38, 164.19, 164.88;

Melting point: 146.2-148.5° C., melting point of its hydrochloride:199.2-201.3° C.

Example 2 Synthesis of Carboxylic Acid Diester [Formula (VII)] of theCompound (III)

General reaction formula:

wherein R is phenyl, tolyl, methoxyphenyl, or other aryl or alkyl, etc.

The synthesis method was identical to that of the Example 1, except thattwice or more amount of organic acyl chloride and triethyl amine wereadded.

4-[2-dimethylamine-1-(1-benzoyloxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]-phenyl benzoate wastaken as an example.

17.4 g desmethyl-venlafaxine (compound III), 18.58 g benzoyl chlorideand 200 ml anhydrous tetrahydrofuran were added into a reaction flask,and cooled to 0° C. 50 mL anhydrous tetrahydrofuran solution oftriethylamine was added dropwise. After all raw materials weredissolved, the reaction solution was poured into 400 mL water andstirred. Then the precipitated solid was filtered out, washed with waterfor three times, and dried to obtain a crude product. The crude productwas then dissolved in 10 times amount of anhydrous ethanol andrecrystallized to obtain 19.3 g white solid having a melting point of127.8-129.7° C. and a yield of 60.9%.

Preparation of hydrochloride: 5.0 g of the above product was dissolvedin 20 ml anhydrous ether, then anhydrous saturated ether solution ofhydrogen chloride was added dropwise. The precipitated solid wasfiltered out to obtain 5.0 g white crystal solid having melting point of176.1-179.0° C.

According to this method, the following compounds were synthesized.

Compound 2.1: 4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-benzoyloxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenylbenzoate

¹H NMR (DMSO) δ 1.07-1.58 (10H, m, —(CH₂)₅—), 2.01 (6H, s, —N(CH₃)₂),2.33, 4.06 (2H, dd, —CH₂—N—), 3.00 (1H, t, —CH<), 7.16-8.13 (14H, m,Ar—H),

¹³C-NMR (DMSO) 21.56 (2C), 24.64, 37.70 (2C), 37.94, 45.89 (2C), 57.85,81.50, 120.35 (2C), 123.37 (2C), 125.90, 128.67 (2C), 128.80 (2C),129.42, 129.47 (2C), 132.86, 132.99 (2C), 133.85, 136.41, 148.19,164.18, 166.21;

Melting point: 127.8-129.7° C., melting point of its hydrochloride:176.1-179.0° C.

Compound 2.2:4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-(4-methyl)benzoyloxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl4-methylbenzoate

The reaction conditions were the same, except that benzoyl chloride wasreplaced with 4-methylbenzoyl chloride.

¹H-NMR (DMSO) δ1.10-1.59 (10H, m, —(CH₂)₅—), 2.11 (6H, s, —N(CH₃)₂),2.45 (6H, s, Ar—CH₃), 2.55 (1H, m, —CH<), 2.86 (2H, m, —CH₂—N—),7.11-8.00 (12H, d, d, d, d, Ar—H);

¹³C-NMR (DMSO) 21.40 (2C), 21.56 (2C), 24.64, 37.70 (2C), 37.94, 45.89(2C), 57.85, 81.50, 120.35 (2C), 123.42 (2C), 125.31, 126.43, 127.59(2C), 127.95 (2C), 128.10 (2C), 128.13 (2C), 136.41, 141.90 (2C),148.19, 164.19, 166.21;

Melting point: 122.8-125.1° C.

Compound 2.3:4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-(4-methoxy)benzoyloxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl4-methoxybenzoate

The reaction conditions were the same, except that benzoyl chloride wasreplaced with 4-methoxybenzoyl chloride.

¹H-NMR (DMSO) δ1.14-1.59 (10H, m, —(CH₂)₅—), 2.11 (6H, s, —N(CH₃)₂),2.55 (1H, m, —CH<), 2.86 (2H, m, —CH₂—N—), 3.86 (6H, s, —OCH₃), 5.02(1H, br, —OH), 7.10-8.06 (12H, t, d, d, Ar—H);

¹³C-NMR (DMSO) 21.56 (2C). 24.64, 37.70 (2C), 37.94, 45.89 (2C), 55.25(2C), 57.85, 81.50, 113.11 (2C), 113.14 (2C), 120.35 (2C), 121.03,122.52, 123.37 (2C), 131.21 (2C), 132, 28 (2C), 136.41, 148.19, 162.50(2C), 164.16, 166.21;

Melting point: 112.6-114.9° C.

Example 3 Synthesis of Carboxylic Acid Asymmetric Diester [Formula(VIII)] of the Compound (III)

The asymmetric diester was obtained by acylating correspondingmonoester, and the synthesis thereof was identical to that of Example 1.

The general formula of reaction:

wherein R, R1 are phenyl, tolyl, methoxyphenyl, or other aryl or alkyl,etc.

4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-benzoyloxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl4-methylbenzoate was taken as an example.

10 mmol of the monoester (Compound 1 of Example 1) synthesized accordingto Example 1 and 10-15 mmol benzoyl chloride were added into 200 mLanhydrous pyridine, and cooled to 0° C. under stirring, then anhydroustetrahydrofuran solution containing 1.05 g (9.9 mmol) triethylamine wasadded dropwise (about 10 minutes), and the reaction was continuouslyconducted at room temperature under stirring for 18 hours. The reactionsolution was washed with 50 ml water and separated, then the organicphase was dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate, and then the solvent wasremoved by vacuum evaporation, the residue was poured into 400 mL water,adjusted under stirring until pH was 9, and stored overnight. Theprecipitated solid was filtered out, washed with water for three times,and dried to obtain a crude product. The crude product wasrecrystallized with anhydrous ethanol to obtain a white solid.

The following compounds were synthesized according to this method.

Compound 3.1: 4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-benzoyloxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl4-methylbenzoate

¹H-NMR (DMSO) δ1.10-1.59 (10H, m, —(CH₂)₅—), 2.17 (6H, s, —N(CH₃)₂),2.42 (3H, s, Ar—CH₃), 2.55 (1H, m, —CH<), 2.86 (2H, m, —CH₂—N—),7.11-8.20 (13H, d, d, d, d, Ar—H);

¹³C-NMR (DMSO) 21.40, 21.56 (2C), 24.64, 37.70 (2C), 37.94, 45.89 (2C),57.86, 81.52, 120.36 (2C), 123.38 (2C), 126.43, 127.95 (2C), 128.13(2C), 128.67 (2C), 129.42, 129.47 (2C), 132.86, 136.41, 141.90, 149.19,164.19, 166.22;

Melting point: 127.8-130.2° C.

Compound 3.2: 4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-benzoyloxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl4-methoxybenzoate

The reaction conditions were the same, except that the compound 1 ofExample 1 was replaced with the compound 3 of Example 1.

¹H-NMR (DMSO) δ1.22-1.76 (10H, m, —(CH₂)₅—), 2.15 (6H, s, —N(CH₃)₂),2.58 (1H, m, —CH<), 2.76 (2H, m, —CH₂—N—), 3.86 (3H, s, —OCH₃),7.16-8.10 (9H, t, d, d, Ar—H);

¹³C-NMR (DMSO) 21.56 (2C), 24.64, 37.70 (2C), 37.94, 45.89 (2C), 55.25,57.85, 81.50, 113.12 (2C), 120.35 (2C), 121.03, 123.37 (2C), 125.92,128.81 (2C), 131.22 (2C), 132.99 (2C), 133.85, 136.41, 148.19, 162.50,164.18, 166.26;

Melting point: 119.6-122.8° C.

Example 4 Syntheses of Carbamoylphenyl Monoester [Formula (IX)] of theBenzyl Ether of the Compound (III)

The general formula of reaction:

wherein R1, R2 or R′ are H, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, phenyl,tolyl or other alkyl or aryl, etc.

Compound 4.1: 4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-benzyloxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenylN-methyl-carbamate

6 mmol methyl isocyanate was added under stirring into 20 mLdichloromethane solution containing 5 mmol benzyl ether of the compound(III), the reaction was conducted at room temperature for 16 hours, thenthe reaction solution was washed with 10 mL 5% sodium bicarbonateaqueous solution, dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate, and the solventwas removed by evaporation to obtain an oily or white solid product.

¹H-NMR (DMSO) 1.33-1.69 (10H, m, —(CH₂)₅—), 2.17 (6H, s, —N(CH₃)₂), 2.65(1H, m, —CH<), 2.76 (2H, m, —CH₂—N—), 2.78 (3H—NCH₃), 5.37 (NH),6.90-7.59 (9H, Ar—H);

¹³C-NMR (DMSO) 22.43 (2C), 25.22, 27.35, 35.14, 39.29 (2C), 45.89 (2C),56.72, 81.67, 120.30 (2C), 122.81 (2C), 122.89, 124.36 (2C), 128.81(2C), 135.34, 147.41, 156.11, 160.37; melting point: 138.6-140.8° C.

Compound 2: 4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-benzyloxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenylN,N-dimethyl-carbamate

6 mmol N-dimethyl-formyl chloride was added at 0° C. under stirring into30 mL dichloromethane solution containing 5 mmol benzyl ether derivateof the compound (III) and 1 mL triethylamine, the reaction wascontinuously conducted at 0° C. for 6 hours, then the reaction liquidwas washed with 10 mL 5% sodium bicarbonate aqueous solution, dried withanhydrous sodium sulfate, and the solvent was removed by evaporation toobtain an oily or white sodium product.

¹H-NMR (DMSO) 1.33-1.69 (10H, m, —(CH₂)₅—), 2.17 (6H, s, —N(CH₃)₂), 2.65(1H, m, —CH<), 2.76 (2H, m, —CH₂—N—), 2.89 (6HN(CH₃)₂), 6.90-7.59 (9H,Ar—H).

¹³C-NMR (DMSO) 20.43 (2C), 25.15, 35.14, 36.42, 36.65, 39.29 (2C), 45.89(2C), 56.72, 81.67, 1220.70 (2C), 122, 80 (2C), 122.90, 124.71 (2C),128.81 (2C), 135.45, 148.50, 155.12, 156.11;

Melting point: 126.2-129.3° C.

Example 5 Experiment of Compound Metabolism in Liver Cells to Form theActive Component1-[2-Dimethylamino-1-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-Ethyl]-Cyclohexanol (the CompoundIII)

40 μg the compound 1 (or the compound 2 or 3 or 4) of Example 1 wasdissolved into 0.01M potassium phosphate buffer solution containing 1 mMNADPH, mixed with 25 μL human liver cells S9 (20 mg protein/mL, H961),and cultured at 37° C. for 2 hours. Then the mixture was quenched withconcentrated perchloric acid. After the precipitated proteins wereremoved by centrifuge, the supernatant was adjusted with concentratedpotassium phosphate until pH was 3, and centrifuged again. Thesupernatant was directly injected into HPLC and analyzed.

The results of metabolism are shown in Table 1. The metabolic rates fromthe compounds to the active component1-[2-dimethylamino-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl]cyclohexanol (compound III)in liver cells within 2 hours range from 80% to 100%, respectively,depending on different ester groups.

TABLE 1 Metabolic rate of compounds in liver cells within 2 hoursCompound 3 Compound 4 Compound 1 of Compound 2 of of of X/Y Example 1Example 1 Example 1 Example 1 Metabolic 99 96 92 88 rate (%)

Example 6 Metabolic Experiments of4-[2-Dimethylamino-1-(1-Hydroxycyclohexyl)-Ethyl]Phenyl 4-Methylbenzoate(the Compound 1 of Example 1) Vial Oral and Intravenous Administrationin Rats

Six rats were divided into two groups, and were subjected tointragastric or intravenous administration of4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl 4-methylbenzoatehydrochloride in a dose of 13.5 mg/kg. Blood samples were sampledaccording to the predetermined schedules, and the concentrations of theprodrug 4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl4-methylbenzoate and the active metabolite1-[2-dimethylamino-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl]cyclohexanol (compound III)in blood were measured.

The results of intravenous administration in rats (see FIG. 1A) indicatethat the prodrug 4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl4-methylbenzoate hydrochloride was quickly metabolized in blood of rats,and the active metabolite1-[2-dimethylamino-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl]cyclohexanol (compound III)(ODV) reached Cmaxat 30 minutes, and in the meantime, the concentrationof the prodrug in blood was only 10-15% of its active metabolite1-[2-dimethylamino-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl]cyclohexanol (compound III)(ODV) and decreased continuously.

The results of oral administration are shown in FIG. 1B. After theprodrug entered into body through gastrointestinal tract, it wasmetabolized immediately to form the active metabolite1-[2-dimethylamino-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl]cyclohexanol (compound III)(ODV) with higher rate and degree and lower prodrug concentration. Theprodrug via oral administration was substantively totally converted intothe desired active metabolite1-[2-dimethylamino-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl]cyclohexanol (compoundIII), which sufficiently confirmed the metabolizability of the prodrug4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl4-methylbenzoate. By calculation, the bioavailability of the prodrug4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl 4-methylbenzoatehydrochloride via oral administration in rats was above 80%, which wasobviously higher than the bioavailabilities of1-[2-dimethylamino-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl]-cyclohexanol (compoundIII) (ODV) and its various salts directly administrated orally.

Example 7 Experimental Results of 1-[2-Dimethylamino-1-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-Ethyl]Cyclohexanol (Compound III) Succinate and its Prodrugs:4-[2-Dimethylamino-1-(1-Hydroxycyclohexyl)-Ethyl]-Phenyl BenzoateHydrochloride (the compound 2 of example 1),4-[2-Dimethylamino-1-(1-Hydroxycyclohexyl)-Ethyl]Phenyl 4-MethylbenzoateHydrochloride (the Compound 1 of Example 1), and4-[2-Dimethylamino-1-(1-Hydroxycyclohexyl)-Ethyl]Phenyl4-Methoxybenzoate (the Compound 3 of Example 1) Succinate in Beagles ViaOral Administration

Nine beagles with body weight of about 10 kg were divided into threegroups, and were subjected to intragastric administration ofO-desmethyl-venlafaxine (ODV) succinate,4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl benzoatehydrochloride, 4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl4-methylbenzoate hydrochloride, and4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl4-methoxybenzoate succinate in dose of 0.016 mmol/kg. Blood samples weresampled according to the predetermined schedules, and the concentrationsof the active metabolite1-[2-dimethylamino-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl]cyclohexanol (compound III)and its prodrugs in blood were measured.

The results are shown in FIG. 2. After the prodrugs entered into bodiesof beagles through gastrointestinal tract, they were immediatedmetabolized into the active metabolite desmethyl-venlafaxine, and theprodrug concentrations were lower than the measurement limit, so that itwas deemed that almost all prodrugs by oral administration wereconverted into the desired active metabolite1-[2-dimethylamino-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl]cyclohexanol (compoundIII). In the meantime, the results indicate that the bioavailabilitiesof prodrugs of ODV were obviously higher than that of ODV succinatewhich has the best bioavailability among ODV salts, and AUC was elevatedmore than 30% (Table 2), wherein the AUC of4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl 4-methylbenzoatehydrochloride was elevated more than 60% (Table 2), the bioavailabilitywas improved very significantly, and it exhibited obvious advantagesover 1-[2-dimethylamino-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl]cyclohexanol (compoundIII) succinate.

TABLE 2 Comparison of experiment results in beagles between prodrugs and1-[2-dimethylamino-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl]cyclohexanol (compound III)succinate - the concentration of the active metabolite1-[2-dimethylamino-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)- ethyl]cyclohexanol (compoundIII) AUC Increment AUC rate % (ODV Cmax Tmax ng/ml succinate, Compoundng/ml hr hr =100%) ODV succinate 100 0.5 261 100 4-[2-dimethylamino-1-93 1.0 342 132 (1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl benzoate hydrochloride4-[2-dimethylamino-1- 117 1.0 421 161 (1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl4-methylbenzoate hydrochloride 4-[2-dimethylamino-1- 97 1.0 386 148(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl 4-methoxybenzoate succinate

Example 8 Preparation of Normal Oral Tablets

Composition:

4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl 23%4-methylbenzoate hydrochloride or4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl4-methoxybenzoate succinate or4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl benzoatehydrochloride Microcrystalline cellulose 58% Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose  5% Calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate 12% Magnesiumstearate 0.8%  Anhydrous colloidal silicon dioxide 1.2% 

These components were directly tableted to obtain tablets containingdrug 100 mg per tablet (calculated based on1-[2-dimethylamino-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl) -ethyl]cyclohexanol). The resultsof dissolution test of this kind of tablets are shown as follows.

TABLE 3 Dissolution of normal oral tablets Dissolution time (h) 2 4 8Dissolution percentage 4-methylbenzoate 43.1 68.2 88.5 (%)4-methoxybenzoate 53.6 78.2 92.8 Benzoate 45.8 76.3 93.6

Example 9 Preparation of Sustained Release Capsules of4-[2-Dimethylamino-1-(1-Hydroxycyclohexyl)-Ethyl]Phenyl 4-MethylbenzoateHydrochloride for Oral Administration A. Granulation:

4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl 40%4-methylbenzoate hydrochloride Microcrystalline cellulose 59%Hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose 1%

The granulation was performed by normal fluidized bed.

B. Coating:

Ethyl cellulose 85% Hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose 15%

After the coating was dried, the coated granules were loaded in hardgelatin capsules, and there is 100 mg drug in per capsule (calculatedbased on 1-[2-dimethylamino-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl]cyclohexanol), andthe coating degree was 6%. The dissolution test of the capsules wasconducted according to the method of the Pharmacopoeia of People'sRepublic of China, and the results are as follows.

TABLE 4 Dissolution test of sustained release capsules of4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl 4-methylbenzoatehydrochloride for oral administration Dissolution time (h) 2 4 8 12 24Dissolved drug (%) 5.7 27.8 61.1 79.9 96.2

Example 10 Preparation of Sustained Release Capsules of4-[2-Dimethylamino-1-(1-Hydroxycyclohexyl)-Ethyl]Phenyl BenzoateHydrochloride for Oral Administration

The preparation method was identical to that of Example 9, except that4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl 4-methylbenzoatehydrochloride was replaced with4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl benzoatehydrochloride. The dissolution test of the capsules was conductedaccording to the method of the Pharmacopoeia of People's Republic ofChina, and the results are as follows.

TABLE 5 Dissolution test of sustained release capsules of4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl benzoatehydrochloride for oral administration Dissolution time (h) 2 4 8 12 24Dissolved drug (%) 3.8 19.8 41.2 63.8 88.2

Example 11 Preparation of Sustained Release Capsules of4-[2-Dimethylamino-1-(1-Hydroxycyclohexyl)-Ethyl]Phenyl4-Methoxybenzoate Succinate for Oral Administration

The preparation method was identical to that of Example 9, except that4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl 4-methylbenzoatehydrochloride was replaced with4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl4-methoxybenzoate succinate. The dissolution test of the capsules wasconducted according to the method of the Pharmacopoeia of People'sRepublic of China, and the results are as follows.

TABLE 5 Dissolution test of the sustained release capsules of4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl4-methoxybenzoate succinate for oral administration Dissolution time (h)2 4 8 12 24 Dissolved drug (%) 6.8 24.2 56.7 83.2 97.3

Example 12 Preparation of Sustained Release Tablets for OralAdministration A. Tabletting:

4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl 28%4-methylbenzoate hydrochloride or4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl4-methoxybenzoate succinate or4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]phenyl benzoatehydrochloride Microcrystalline cellulose 60% Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose 10% anhydrous Colloidal silicon dioxide 0.8%  Magnesiumstearate 1.2% 

B. Coating:

Ethyl cellulose 72% Hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose 12% Dibutyl sebacate15% Polyethylene glycol 400 (Macrogol) 1%

Each tablet contained 100 mg principal agent (calculated based on1-[2-dimethylamino-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl]-cyclohexanol). Thedissolution test of the tablets was conducted according to the method ofthe Pharmacopoeia of People's Republic of China, and the results are asfollows.

TABLE 6 Dissolution test of the sustained release tablets for oraladministration Dissolution time (h) 2 4 8 12 24 Dissolved4-Methylbenzoate 12.2 33.8 58.1 79.8 98.6 drug (%) 4-Methoxybenzoate16.6 45.2 69.3 89.1 97.2 Benzoate 6.6 21.6 50.6 68.5 87.6

Example 13 Beagle Test of Sustained Release Capsules of4-[2-Dimethylamino-1-(1-Hydroxycyclohexyl)-Ethyl]-Phenyl4-Methylbenzoate Hydrochloride for Oral Administration

Six beagles with body weight between 9.8 kg and 12.5 kg were used inthis test. They were subjected to overnight fasting, except for water,but ate at 60 minutes before the test, wherein three beagles separatelywere orally administered with one sustained release capsule of4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]-phenyl4-methylbenzoate hydrochloride which contained 159 mg drug (100 mg ascalculated based on1-[2-dimethylamino-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl]-cyclohexanol), while theother three beagles separately were intravenously administered with4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]-phenyl4-methylbenzoate hydrochloride which contains 79 mg drug (50 mg ascalculated based on 1-[2-dimethylamino-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl]-cyclohexanol). The blood samples were collected separately at0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16 and 24 hours after drug administration.The blood sample (3 mL) was placed in a test tube with 5 mL heparin,centrifuged at lower temperature and preserved at −70° C., and thenanalyzed by HPLC-MS (Ther. Drug Monit. 16:100-107 (1994)).

The analysis results of blood samples indicate the orally administrated4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]-phenyl4-methylbenzoate hydrochloride was quickly converted into1-[2-dimethylamino-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl]cyclohexanol in vivo.

The data of 1-[2-dimethylamino-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl]-cyclohexanol(compound III) in beagle bodies are shown in Table 7.

TABLE 7 BEAGLE TEST OF 4-[2-DIMETHYLAMINO-1-(1-HYDROXYCYCLOHEXYL)-ETHYL]-PHENYL 4-METHYLBENZOATE HYDROCHLORIDE AbsoluteAUC C_(max) bioavailability (ng * hr/mL) (ng/mL) t_(max) (hr) (%)Capsule (100 mg) 2793 278 5.4 89.3 Intravenous 1564 — — — injection (50mg)

Example 14 Beagle Test of Orally Administrated Sustained ReleaseCapsules of 4-[2-Dimethylamino-1-(1-Hydroxycyclohexyl)-Ethyl]-PhenylBenzoate Hydrochloride

The test was conducted according to the same method of Example 13,wherein each sustained release capsule contained 154 mg drug (100 mg ascalculated based on1-[2-dimethylamino-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl]-cyclohexanol). Theanalysis results of blood samples also indicate the orally administrated4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]-phenyl benzoatehydrochloride was quickly converted into1-[2-dimethylamino-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl]-cyclohexanol in vivo.

The data of 1-[2-dimethylamino-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl]-cyclohexanol(compound III) in beagle bodies are shown in Table 8.

TABLE 8 Beagle test of 4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]-phenyl benzoate hydrochloride Absolute AUC (ng * hr/mL) C_(max)(ng/mL) t_(max) (hr) bioavailability (%) 2536 267 5.7 81.1

Example 15 Beagle Test of Orally Administrated Sustained ReleaseCapsules of 4-[2-Dimethylamino-1-(1-Hydroxycyclohexyl)-Ethyl]-Phenyl4-Methoxybenzoate Succinate

The test was conducted according to the same method of Example 13,wherein each sustained release capsule contained 195 mg drug (100 mg ascalculated based on1-[2-dimethylamino-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl]-cyclohexanol).

The analysis results of blood samples also indicate the orallyadministrated 4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]-phenyl4-methoxybenzoate succinate was quickly converted into1-[2-dimethylamino-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl]-cyclohexanol in vivo.

The data of 1-[2-dimethylamino-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl]-cyclohexanol(compound III) in beagle bodies are shown in Table 9.

TABLE 9 Beagle test of 4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-ethyl]-phenyl 4-methoxybenzoate succinate Absolute AUC (ng * hr/mL)C_(max) (ng/mL) t_(max) (hr) bioavailability (%) 2668 287 4.6 85.3

The various embodiments described above can be combined to providefurther embodiments. All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent applicationpublications, U.S. Patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patentapplications and non-patent publications referred to in thisspecification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet areincorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. Aspects of theembodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of thevarious patents, applications and publications to provide yet furtherembodiments.

These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of theabove-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, theterms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specificembodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should beconstrued to include all possible embodiments along with the full scopeof equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, theclaims are not limited by the disclosure.

1. A compound of formula (I), its optical isomer or pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts thereof,

wherein, chiral center (*) can be R or S or RS (racemic mixture); R1 isselected from saturated alkyloyl having 1-20 carbon atoms or unsaturatedalkylacyl having 2-20 carbon atoms; preferably formyl, acetyl,propionyl, butyryl, isobutyryl and saturated or unsaturated fatty acyl;or aryloyl having 7-20 carbon atoms, preferably benzoyl with substituenthaving 1-10 carbon atoms or unsubstituted benzoyl; or cycloalkyloylhaving 4-10 carbon atoms, or hydroxyalkyloyl or carbohydrate having 1-10carbon atoms, as well as C1-C10 organic acyl containing oxygen, nitrogenand fluorine, sulfur, phosphor or other heteroatoms, etc.; or thefollowing groups:

wherein R5, R6 and R7 are independently selected from hydrogen,saturated alkyl having 1-10 carbon atoms or unsaturated alkyl having2-20 carbon atoms, or aryl having 6-20 carbon atoms, such as phenyl orbenzyl with substituent having 1-10 carbon atoms or unsubstituted phenylor benzyl, etc.; R2 is selected from hydrogen, or saturated alkyl having1-20 carbon atoms or an unsaturated alkyl having 2-20 carbon atoms, oraryl having 6-20 carbon atoms, or a cycloalkyl having 4-10 carbon atoms,or hydroxyalkyl or carbohydrate substituent having 1-10 carbon atoms, orsaturated alkyloyl having 1-20 carbon atoms, or an unsaturated alkyloylhaving 2-20 carbon atoms, preferable formyl, acetyl, propionyl, butyryl,isobutyryl and saturated or unsaturated fatty acyl; or arylacyl having7-20 carbon atoms, preferably benzoyl with a substituent having 1-10carbon atoms or unsubstituted benzoyl; or cycloalkyloyl having 4-10carbon atoms, or hydroxyalkyloyl or carbohydrate having 1-10 carbonatoms, as well as C1-C10 organic acyl group containing oxygen, nitrogenand fluorine, sulfur, phosphor or other heteroatoms,; or the followinggroups:

wherein R5, R6 and R7 are independently selected from hydrogen,saturated alkyl having 1-20 carbon atoms or unsaturated alkyl having2-20 carbon atoms, or aryl having 6-20 carbon atoms, such as phenyl orbenzyl with substituent having 1-10 carbon atoms or unsubstituted phenylor benzyl, etc.; R3 and R4 are independently selected from hydrogen,saturated alkyl having 1-20 carbon atoms, or unsaturated alkyl having2-20 carbon atoms, aryl having 6-20 carbon atoms such as phenyl orbenzyl with substituent having 1-10 carbon atoms or unsubstituted phenylor benzyl; or cycloalkyl having 4-10 carbon atoms, or hydroxyalkyl orcarbohydrate having 1-10 carbon atoms, as well as C1-C10 organic alkylcontaining oxygen, nitrogen and fluorine, sulfur, phosphor or otherheteroatoms, etc.
 2. The compound of formula (I) according to claim 1,characterized in that in the compound of formula (I), R1 is arylacylhaving 7-20 carbon atoms, alkyloxyloyl having 1-10 carbon atoms,1,1-dialkyloxyalkyl having 1-10 carbon atoms, and alkylaminocarbonylhaving 1-10 carbon atoms; R2 is hydrogen; R3 and R4 are methyl.
 3. Thecompound of formula (I) according to claim 1, characterized in that thesaid aryloyl is

wherein, R8 and R9 are independently selected from hydrogen, saturatedalkyl having 1-6 carbon atoms, or alkoxyl having 1-6 carbon atoms,unsaturated alkyl having 2-6 carbon atoms, OH, Cl, F, CN, carboxyl andester group having 1-6 carbon atoms.
 4. The compound of formula (I)according to claim 3, characterized in that the substituents R8 and R9are independently selected from hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, methoxy,ethoxy, fluorine or carboxyl.
 5. The salt of the compound of formula (I)according to claim 1, characterized in that the salt of the compound ishydrochloride, sulfate, maleate, succinate, and a salt formed with otherpharmaceutically acceptable acid.
 6. A pharmaceutical compositioncomprising a compound, its optical isomer or pharmaceutically acceptablesalt according to claim 1, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 7.The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 6, the saidcomposition is used in a manner of oral, injection, transdermal, nasal,mucous or inhalation administration.
 8. The pharmaceutical compositionaccording to claim 6, the said composition is a normal, sustainedrelease, controlled release, site-specific or fast release dosage form.9. A method for inhibiting or blocking 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and/ornorepinephrine (NA) reuptake and for treating diseases associated withcentral nerve system comprising: administering to a subject in needthereof a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of claim 1.